Abstract
This paper proposes using neutral axis locations to monitor and quantify the prestress force in post-tensioned precast segmental beams. Strain measurements are used to obtain the neutral axis locations of specific cross-sections of the precast prestressed segmental beams, based on the plane–remains–plane and linear strain distribution assumption. A theoretical calculation method based on the static equilibrium of a specific cross-section is developed to calculate the prestress force in segmental beams based on the neutral axis location. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, a post-tensioned prestressed segmental beam is built and tested in the laboratory. A corresponding high-fidelity finite element model is also developed based on the beam design and material properties. Experimental studies and numerical simulations are conducted to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method in quantifying the prestress force in precast segmental beams. Both experimental and numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method can reliably estimate the prestress force, which can be used to monitor the prestress force loss in post-tensioned structures.
Highlights
Loss of prestress force jeopardizes the structural integrity, and in extreme cases could lead to catastrophic collapse of prefabricated segmented structures
This paper proposes a method to quantify the prestress force in the precast prestressed segmental beams based on the strain measurement and neutral axis location
Under the plane–remains–plane assumption, neutral axis location is obtained by using the strain measurements
Summary
Loss of prestress force jeopardizes the structural integrity, and in extreme cases could lead to catastrophic collapse of prefabricated segmented structures. The neutral axis location is only dependent on the material and geometric properties of the beam cross-section [16] It remains stable under changing temperature, and it is insensitive to environmental noise, making it a promising feature for structural condition identification. A theoretical method is proposed to quantify the prestress force in precast segmental beams, based on strain measurements to obtain the neutral axis location. This method is developed based on the static equilibrium over a specific cross-section of the segmental beam.
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